the fortunate one

While we were in Turkey, my little niece (my brother's daughter) was born. Zita (the fortunate one) was born on the 28th of September, at 10 past midnight! Because she was small and not strong enough, she had to stay a little longer in the hospital, but after about 2 weeks her parents could take here home. Beautiful Zita not only made me happy to become 'tante' (aunt) for the very first time, but, as I was chosen to be one of the godmothers, she also gives me the pleasure to be able to spoil her from now!!

Turkish delight

 Some days after Auro's birthday, my father, Auro and I left for Antalya, Turkey. During the next 10 days we enjoyed the Turkish sun, sea and beach. It's indeed always a delight to visit Turkey!

 

Two!!

Auro's 2nd birthday fell on Friday the 17th of September, while Auro and I, unfortunately for Remo, were already in Belgium. On the other hand, it was maybe for the better that we were not in Italy on a Friday the 17th, seeing that the Italians consider it to be an unlucky day, much like we connect Friday the 13th with misfortune.

Opa (my father) surprised the birthday boy with a huge (and nearly impossible to take back home to Italy) toy truck (complete with backhoe) and in the afternoon Nuki (nonkel Chris = my brother) treated Auro on a couple of rides on the merry-go-round and a go at 'fishing for ducks' (I have no idea how you call this in English) at the yearly fair of Leuven (Louvain). Needless to say Auro enjoyed his day which was topped of with a Belgian waffle and a visit to tante Els (who unfortunately was hospitalized since the previous day).

Early 2nd birthday

On the 10th of September we arrived back in Genoa, exhausted and in need of a break from all the traveling. Unfortunately, Auro and I had only some days before we were expected in Belgium. Because we would not be in Genoa on the 17th (Auro's birthday), Remo and I had a mini pre-birthday-celebration before leaving. On the morning of the 15th we surprised Auro with his present. You can see him on the photo proudly showing his new cars and matching parking garage. He literally played from morning till evening with his birthday present, after which we all went to bed very satisfied ;-)

Samurai Auro

 My first summer living in Genoa and I had already spent half of it on the other side of Italy, in the house of my in-laws. The second half of the summer I spent even farther away from my new home. On the 18th of August, Auro and I took the plane and flew to Osaka, Japan. Remo, who had not seen his boat for nearly a year, had left one week before us and was waiting for us at the airport. Auro and I were invited by my (former) boss and stayed in the guesthouse belonging to the institute where I used to work (in Kyoto). Still suffering from 'morning sickness' there were some days that I had to stay in bed while Remo took care of Auro, but luckily there were also many days that we were able to go out and let Auro discover Japanese playgrounds, toy stores and even the zoo. Having to spend hours on trains to get to these places just made him happier. Of course I also had the opportunity to meet my friends/ex-colleagues and got a complete update of the project. Despite the (pregnancy) nausea and tiredness it was well worth the long travel!

The picture below was taken in Eigamura (a theme park where you can visit locations that were used in Japanese historical movies ... you know, the ones with samurai and ninja!). Auro and Remo are posing with some samurai that had just re-enacted a sword fight. A performance that had left Auro gasping in awe ;-)

Surprise

Well, I hope this still comes as a surprise to at least some of you, because most of our relatives and friends have already heard the joyful news: we are pregnant again! I've known for a while now, but I have waited to tell you until now, because morning sickness prevented me from sitting in front of a computer screen for longer than 5 minutes. In July I was feeling so nauseous and tired that I even went to stay with my in-laws, so they could help me take care of Auro.

Anyway, I'm feeling a lot better now (not completely nausea-free however), which means that I should be about 3 months along. The doctors also confirm this, though the due date is still not very clear. According to the gynecologist's calendar it should be around the 6th of March. The ultrasound scans suggest it might be a bit earlier than that. 

The first ultrasound scan was done here in Genoa when I was about 7 weeks pregnant and shows a tiny little bean of about 10mm big. 

For the 2nd ultrasound I went to a clinic in Cesenatico. By that time I was 12 weeks along and the little bean had grown arms, legs, fingers, eyes, a nose... and was already 54mm long! Even though it is the 2nd time for me, it feels as magical as the first time to see my child growing inside of me, so I hope you will forgive me if I will try to keep you posted ;-)

Shasha

Leaving the beach of Cesenatico and returning to our apartment without garden wasn't as big of a change for Auro as I thought it would be. He was quite happy to rediscover all his toys and re-appreciated our small balcony from which he could 'chat' with the lady downstairs (and all the other ladies that were willing to smile at him from their windows).

Things were back to normal... at least for 10 days, because on the 30th of June we flew to London. Remo had to be there for work and Auro and I went along to visit some friends from Japan. I met Marina when I was studying at the university in Osaka and it was Remo who introduced us to Phil. Phil and Marina got married (they had a beautiful wedding in Japan) and I ended up with Remo ;-) They went to live in England and we finally moved back to Europe to settle in Italy. Auro was born in September 2008 and Alexander, Phil & Marina's son was born in December of the same year. The last time we had seen each other was 2 and a half years ago, so we had some catching-up to do. While Marina and I chatted for 3 days, the boys got acquainted with each other and by the end were able to call each other by name (Auro called Alexander by his nickname 'Sasha', but pronounced it more like 'Shasha')! After four days of playgrounds, aquarium (we visited the aquarium of London), sightseeing and a little bit of shopping (beautiful beautiful Windsor), we returned to Genoa a little tired (plane was delayed for 2 hours because of a technical problem), but completely content of having 'renewed' our friendship ties. Thank you, Marina, Phil and Sasha!!! See you in Genoa!

Reunited

For nearly 2 years we could only dream of having some time to ourselves, but now that we finally had two whole weeks of it, I have to admit that I missed my boy incredibly much. We arrived in Genoa on Saturday morning and Sunday morning I was already on the train to Cesena, hardly able to contain my excitement to see Auro again. I was a bit worried that he might not be as happy as me to see each other again, but as soon as he saw me walking towards the car I could see him shouting at the top of his lungs "mamaaaa" and all my worries disappeared instantly. He was as happy as I was ;-)

Since then we have been staying here with my in-laws, enjoying the beach and the sea, taking bicycle rides through the town and playing in the garden. This place has absolutely everything to please children. I'm afraid it might be disappointing for Auro when we return to Genoa next week.

Major update V: the cruise

The Monday after the wedding, me and my husband (ha!) left Auro with his grandparents in Cesenatico and drove back to Genoa. My brother left the next day on his motorbike and, all of a sudden, I found myself alone in the apartment for the very first time. Even though I was missing Auro, I also felt extremely relaxed. So I decided to enjoy it and I went out almost every day with my book and sat on a bench near the sea.

The following Saturday, Remo and I left for a cruise on the Mediterranean. The reason why we left only on Saturday is because I insisted we leave from the harbor of Genoa. I just thought it was more appropriate. The cruise lasted only for one short week, but the 'MSC Splendida' docked in Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), Tunis (Tunisia), La Valletta (Malta), Messina (Sicily) and Civitavecchia (close to Rome) before arriving back in Genoa. For us it was the first time to undertake such an organized way of traveling, but it was very 'suitable' for a honeymoon and I would recommend it to any newlywed couple.

Leaving Genoa...

Marseille's Notre-Dame de la Garde, seen  from the yacht harbor

Colorful balconies in Malta

Tunisian coast, early in the morning

Stromboli's still very active volcano (off the north coast of Sicily)

Arrival in Genoa (it was raining!)

Major update IV: the big day

On Saturday, the 29th of May 2010, Remo and I got married in the castle of Verucchio, in the province of Rimini. We said 'si' to each other in front of about 90 guests who had joined us from different countries to celebrate our big day. A big thank you to all of you who have helped make it into an unforgettable day!

An unforgettable day that started (at least for me) with getting ready in the hotel room. While my super-and-incredibly-professional hairdresser/beautician was making me pretty, I got my 'something blue' from my witness and good friend Wendy. My friend Dragana started taking photos and my father was pacing impatiently up and down the room continuously asking whether I was ready yet because "it was time to go". 

For those of you who were wondering whether I was actually wearing my 'something blue', here is a photo of me 'slipping' it on ;-)

When I was 'finally' ready, my father walked me from the hotel, through the village, all the way up to the castle, where Remo was waiting. Upon entering the gate, three of my friends, dressed in medieval costumes, played the wedding march. Trying very hard not to cry we proceeded to the armory hall of the castle.

The ceremony was performed by the mayor of Verucchio and lasted no longer than 10 minutes. Assuming I understood most of what I said yes to, we exchanged rings, kissed (!) and put down our signatures. Then Remo's friend Max and my friend Wendy signed the same document as witnesses. The hardest part was over ;-)

The ceremony was followed by a small reception in the courtyard of the castle, during which nonno Elio (Remo's father) revealed his surprise for us (he had been talking about it to me for some weeks already!): a huge photo of Auro was hanging from the outside wall of the castle, saying: "Ciao a tutti! Brindo a modo mio con tutti voi alla felicita' di mamma e papa'. Salute! Sante'!" (Hello to all of you! Together with you I drink a toast in my own way to the happiness of my mom and dad. Cheers!). However, before we made it there we had to pass under the traditional shower of rice!

A photo with my Belgian family and one with Remo's: frietjes and spaghetti!

At 6 o'clock there was another couple getting married in the castle, so together with all the guests we walked down to the restaurant (less than 10 minutes walking). I can tell you that the road to the castle was considerably cleaner after I had passed twice with my wedding dress ;-)

In the restaurant a second reception was waiting for us on the big terrace. Peter, Caroline and Christoph embellished the already breathtaking panorama with their beautiful music.

Once the reception was over, we all moved inside for the (completely vegetarian) dinner. Not long after we had sat down, it started raining heavily outside. Thunder and lightening appeared out of nowhere. It was as if the sky was angry we had moved the festivities inside. The storm didn't last long, but it surely made an impression. Luckily for us, in Italy rain is said to bring good fortune to the bride: "sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata"!

After most of the food was eaten and lots of the alcohol was consumed (by mainly the Belgians, I have to say), Remo and I opened the dance floor (while the ceremony was the most stressful part for me, the dancing part had kept Remo awake for many nights!). However, by that time many of the Italians had already left (it was nearly midnight... way too late for an opening dance...) and Remo had been worrying for nothing. The Belgians, on the other hand, had been waiting and readily jumped on the dance floor ;-)

I'd be lying if I said the wedding party had lasted until the morning, because by 2 am the DJ was asked to switch of his music. I am, however, convinced that the people who stayed until the end had a good time and were not feeling that disappointed the next day when they were able to get out of bed before noon and hit the beaches of Rimini before returning home.

Major update III: Final preparations

Completely relaxed after a week in Belgium, I returned to Genoa ready to face the final preparations of the wedding. Remo went to pick up Auro in Cesenatico and together we prepared the 120 'bomboniere' (it's a tradition in Italy to present the guests with a wedding keep-sake): we divided 8 kilos of Belgian chocolate (confetti) over the 120 small Chinese bags (with the double Chinese character for happiness 喜喜 embroidered on them, symbolizing the happiness of a married couple) and wrapped them safely for the long journey to Verucchio. After that I prepared our bags, wrapped my wedding dress (safely hidden from Remo's eyes) and on Tuesday the 25th (4 days before the wedding) Auro and I took the train to Cesenatico. 

The next day, Lara and I had an appointment with the hairdresser/beautician for a trial of the make-up and hairdo. As if she could read my mind, she arranged my hair exactly in the way I wanted and I returned home completely satisfied and assured that I would look great on Saturday!

Major update II: Bachelorette party

Half of May I left Remo in Genoa and Auro with his Italian grandparents to travel back to Belgium for my final wedding preparations there. It was a bit strange to be away from Auro (it was the first time for us to sleep in different places), but I was so busy I hardly had time to think about it. A little more than one month before the wedding I had started to have some serious doubts about getting married and I needed a break, so my bachelorette party was the perfect escape for me. Me and my girlfriends first went for an afternoon of relaxing in sauna and jacuzzi and then for a nice dinner. The dinner was followed by a brief stop at home where my cousin had spread out tens of boxes on the dining room table with heavily down-prized women's lingerie. As soon as the necessary purchases were made, we head off to a small bar in the local town of Heist-op-den-Berg to continue the 'festivities'. I will spare you the details, but let me just tell you that it ended in the early hours and that I, for one, went home with a big smile on my face ;-)

Major update I: return to Genoa

OK, more than one month has passed since the last time that I have written on this blog. Not good! Especially because MANY things have changed since the last time... So, here is MAJOR update, part I.

After arriving in Belgium, Auro and I stayed with 'opa' for 10 days, during which Auro played and enjoyed himself and I did some spring-shopping and prepared our luggage for the trip to Italy. We then, for the second time, drove all the way down to Genoa in my father's car packed like camels (and there are still things of mine in Belgium!). My father was going to stay with us for a week or so and do some sightseeing, but after only 4 days he decided to return to Belgium (staying in an apartment with nothing to do really isn't for him). Auro and I waited for Remo to return from China.

Back to nature

On Easter Monday, Auro and I got on the plane again and flew back to Belgium. Auro slept most of the trip due to a slight fever, which turned out to be a fairly high one by the time we arrived in Begijnendijk. In fact, we called the doctor when I noticed he had a body temperature of 40 degrees. As it turned out, his common cold had changed into bronchitis and needed to be treated with some antibiotics... Two or three sleepless nights later, however, Auro already looked much better. But, not only did he recover quickly, he all of a sudden started sleeping 12, 13 hours during the night! After months of a really irregular sleeping pattern (= 3 out of 5 nights waking up, usually screaming as if he had had a nightmare), he finally went back to sleeping peacefully. I had almost forgotten what it was like to sleep through the night. I don't know what it was that brought on this sudden change. Was it the medicine? Was it his return to the house where he spent the first months of his life? Had his uncle's lessons in assertiveness anything to do with it? Or was it simply the fresh air of Begijnendijk? Whatever it was, I'm very grateful for it ;-)

Pingyao

Finally I have found some time to write here again. One month has passed since the last post... so, here is update number one!

Some days after the last time I wrote, I packed my suitcase and we left for a short trip to Pingyao (平遥). The city of Pingyao, which is located about 700 km southwest of Beijing, is not very big, but it is known for it's high concentration of Ming-and Qing-style residences (especially within the city walls, which, by the way, also happen to be among the best preserved walls in China). In fact, in 1997 Pingyao became a UNESCO World Heritage site and they have been restoring many decaying buildings to it's original splendor. Even though Auro was fighting a nasty cold (runny nose during the day, completely blocked nose during the night which kept him from sleeping soundly, the poor thing!), we still enjoyed our short stay. One day we left the city and visited a village nearby which is not on any World Heritage list yet, but, to our humble opinion, should definitely be! Anyway, here are some pictures.